Costa Rican Presidential Election heads to a Runoff

Episode Title: Costa Rican Presidential Election heads to a
Runoff


Guest: Matt Kirkegaard of Progressive International who was on
the ground in Costa Rica as an international election observer.


On Sunday, February 6 Costa Ricans took to the polls to elect a
new President. According to the latest results reported from
Costa Rica’s Supreme Election Tribunal (TSE) there will be a
second and final round on April 3 between former President Jose
Maria Figueres of the National Liberation Party (PLN) and Rodrigo
Chaves of the Party for Social Democratic Progress (PSD).
Figueres received 27.29% of the vote and Chaves 16.66% with
approximately 80% of the results reported.


To win the first round outright, a candidate had to secure more
than 40% of votes. The two leading contenders will face each
other in a run-off on April 3. A total of 25 candidates were
competing in the first round.


Additionally, all 57 seats of the national legislative assembly
are also up for grabs. A divided legislature is likely, with
local media forecasting Figueres' National Liberation Party (PLN)
would win the most seats with 19, but well short of a majority.


A disappointing election result was the record level of
absenteeism. According to the TSE 40%, of eligible voters stayed
away from the first round of voting.


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America, Massachusetts Peace Action and Task Force
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